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Congress: The Electoral Connection
In this second edition to a book that has now achieved canonical status, David R. Mayhew argues that the principal motivation of legislators is reelection and that the pursuit of this goal affects the way they behave and the way that they make public policy. In a new foreword for this edition, R. Douglas Arnold discusses why the book revolutionized the study of Congress an...more
Paperback, Second Edition, 216 pages
Published
November 10th 2004
by Yale University Press
(first published October 24th 1974)
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Scholarly writing is such a challenge for this reader... but the book is mercifully brief. This volume has value to be sure, but is looking more and more out of date since the Republican Revolution days of Newt Gingrich. Congress still works like this in some ways, but a lot has changed.
A poli sci classic in understanding Congressional behavior. Remember all those times you've sat confused and concerned, trying to understand why legislators act as they do? Check this book out, and at only 178 pages you should finish it quickly.
Before this book, understanding of Congressmen and their goals was always a little fuzzy. This is a great little book that changed the way we think about congressional elections.
excellent read. very short, but absolutely worth it. not having worked in Congress, i can't verify Mayhew's conclusions absolutely, but they align well with everything i know.
An important (and quick) read. Mayhew influenced a generation of congressional scholars so it's worht reading to know his basic argument.
I read the first half in school and I enjoyed the second half, though it was slightly dated. He wondered how the Watergate reforms would turn out!
Compelling, until you spot the holes in his rational choice theory. Still, influential as hell.
Dec 05, 2012
Chery Lyn
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Educational? You know it. Gripping? Please, spare me. Though the book taught me a lot it wasn't a special read, like most books tackling a dry subject. C'mon, political sciencers of the world! If us English kids can write acclaimed books on grammar, you can surely step up your congress educating game!
Mayhew's classic work on Congress. He posits that members of congress are rational actors who main goal is re-election and the body of Congress is organized to facilitate this goal. You can quibble with his assumptions, but you cannot deny the book's influence over the past 35 years.
Must read for any political science student in the United States. Mayhew's seminal work is not as applicable with strengthening parties; however, it is still a good purposive study of congressional motivations and actions.
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